Shellie Pfohl, who leads the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition, joined members of the NSW Government at Crown Street Public School in Surry Hills to promote healthy eating and regular exercise for school children.

NSW Premier Mike Baird said the current goal is to reduce overweight and obesity rates in children by five per cent over 10 years.

“We’re determined to protect children from the poor health and wellbeing outcomes associated with being overweight or obese - a goal we share with the US Government.”

NSW invests $30 million annually to implement education and activity-based programs in the community to reduce rates of excess weight and obesity - about 30 per cent of which is dedicated to programs for children.

Data from NSW Health indicates the prevalence of excess weight and obesity in children has stabilised and may be showing early signs of improvement.

Seventy eight per cent of NSW primary schools participate in Crunch&Sip - a time in addition to recess and lunch for children to eat vegetables or fruit and drink water.

At the end of December 2015, 84 per cent of NSW public, Catholic and independent primary schools had participated Live Life Well @ School training, with almost 81 per cent adopting the program - exceeding the 80 per cent target.